Best Friends Mated

Chapter 3

**story told in Erica's POV unless otherwise specified**

As we exit the car i felt a surge of excitement. Tonight was the night i would meet my mate...hopefully. I waited patiently for Benji to come around the car. He wanted to wait until his favorite song was over but i wanted to get inside as soon as possible. After what seemed like forever he finally came to my side and gave me his arm.

"Ready sis?" He questioned

"Ready!" I replied.

We made it to the top of the steps before i remembered Krista. I took out my phone and sent her a quick snap asking when she would be here before putting my phone back in my clutch. The venue was beautiful. My packs territory was chosen to host this year's Mate Ball and we chose to have it at my uncles marina at sunset. The huge modern ballroom attached to the five star restaurant was where the ball would be held. A very large modern chandelier hung in the middle of the room surrounded by draping sheer fabric across the ceiling. Three of the four walls were all glass with the largest wall of glass open to let the inside flow to the outside. More white sheer fabric hung around the walls to bring the look together. Tables were set with white cloths and polished dishes, huge floral bouquets and candles were the centerpieces; each one different from the others. I couldn't imagine a more perfect place to host this event. The sun was setting over the water as guests poured into the venue.

We found our table. It was close to the front since we were the hosting pack. Benji and i went over to get ourselves drinks before the evening began. It was an open bar after all! I pulled out my phone to check and see if Krista snapped me back when i hear a low growl "MINE!"

I quickly look up to Benji who was deadlocked on the woman next to him. She was beautiful. Long flowing auburn hair, tall and slender. Her beautiful brown eyes piercing into his. Before i knew it they were gone to our table leaving me alone. After checking my phone again and still seeing nothing, i turn to order a drink.

"I'll take a mimosa please."

"Certainly, Miss." she replies before turning to make it.

When she hands me my drink i begin to head back to the table. That is, until everything in the room stopped. Everyone was staring at the person who just walked through the doors. Expecting to see the Moon Goddess herself, i turned to look. I immediately began jumping up and down while hooting and hollering when i saw my best friend standing at the top of the steps. That sneaky bitch! She was wearing a beautiful navy blue gown. The deep v neck of the dress plunging to her belly button, the open back showing off her beautiful skin. It hugged her in all the right places. Her heels screamed "fuck me" as did her dark Smokey makeup. Her blonde hair was longer, touching down to her waste. She. Looked. Smokin!

I ran over to her and wrapped her in a hug before whistling at her. She must have went and got a new dress after getting her hair done. She looked amazing! She smiles and hugs me back before pulling me to the bar and ordering us lemon drop shots, her favorite.

"Every man in here wants you and I'm pretty sure most of the females want you too." I jokingly say to her as she takes her second shot.

"Erica!" She exclaims.

"What, it's the truth. You look smokin!" I laugh.

We finally make our way over to our table right before dinner is served. Steak and lobster, greens, mashed potatoes...the usual banquet food.

After dinner we decided to get another round of drinks. We finally made our way out onto the dance floor. Post Malone's "Rockstar" was bumping through the room while we danced and smiled. Tonight couldn't get any better!

After dancing to a few songs i decided to make my way outside. I needed some fresh air. As soon as i turned to walk through the curtains, a smell hit me. It smelled of mint and rain. It was hands down the best smell i ever smelled. I instantly knew what it was. My mate. He's here. But where? I have been all through this ballroom and not once have i smelt him, until now. He must have just shown up. I push my was outside to the deck overlooking the water and that's where i see him. He's facing the water standing there smoking a cigarette. His 6 foot figure leaned on the railing with his head hanging low. All of a sudden his head snaps and he turns around to face me. His light brown hair slicked back and piercing blue eyes staring right at me. "MATE." We both growl at the same time.

I can't look away. I'm completely captivated by him. His handsome face like nothing i have ever seen before. His body...perfection. Even with the cigarette smoke surrounding him, he smells heavenly. I sigh as i was make my way towards him. It's only a few feet but it takes entirely too long to close the gap. He reaches out and touches my arm sending sparks throughout my entire body. I gasp at the feeling, totally taken back by everything. Our eyes have still never left each other's. I can't help but want to reach up and kiss his soft pink lips. I nervously bite my lip before pulling my eyes away from his and looking at the floor, blushing I'm sure. He brings his fingers under my chin and lifts my head and before i know it he smashes his lips to mine.

"You are mine." He says

I am his. I am completely his. He owns me. We may have just met but the mate bond is beyond strong. His lips being pressed to mine send jolts of electricity throughout my entire body. If he tried, I'd let him take right here, right now. My hands tangled in his hair, his arm wrapped around my waste while the other was around my neck. Our tongues danced together as we enjoyed how the other tasted. Nothing could ever ruin this moment. It was perfect, it was...

"Well, looks like she found her mate. I bet if we were a few minutes later they would have ripped each other's clothes off..." Krista giggles.

I pull away from him and turn to her while laughing. Beside her i see a tall man with dark hair, dark eyes and a huge build. I immediately look to her with a huge grin. She nods confirming my suspicions. Her mate!

"Erica, this is Andy. He's my mate! Andy, this is Erica. She's my best friend. Well, really she's my cousin but she's also my best friend." I shake Andy's hand noticing his huge smirk as he glances between my mate and i.

"Nice to meet you Andy! This is..." Oh shit. My mate. I don't even know his name. How embarrassing.

"Justin." Andy says laughing.

"Huh?"

"Justin. My name is Justin." My mate says while bro hugging Andy. I guess they know each other. Well, this is awkward. My cousin and her mate just caught me making out with mine when i don't even know his name. I shake my head to clear it before looking back up.

"So i guess you two know each other?" I question.

"Andy and i? Yeah. We know each other alright. He's the Beta in my pack. He's also my best friend...and cousin."

My jaw drops. What are the chances. My cousin and i are mates to a set of cousins. We don't have to separate! Krista and i squeal and jump up and down. Andy and Justin shake their heads and laugh.

"Wait," Krista says. "So he's the beta...what does that make you justin?"

"The Alpha." He smirks.